Throughout my six seasons of covering the NFL I've realized the sophomore slump is real, and will gobble up at least one Miami Dolphins player per year.

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But Thomas' 3.6 yards per carry average remains a disappointment. Thomas fumbled three times on his 106 touches (that's bad), and he suffered two concussions last season before missing the season's final month because of a injury injury.

However, ...

Notice the power Thomas possesses. Notice how he's an effective pass blocker. Pay attention to how efficient he is catching passes out the backfield.

Remember how he typically falls forward, gaining extra yards. That's what the Dolphins liked about Thomas during the draft process.

While I agree that Thomas has been a disappointment up until this point, I still feel that we're going to retain him. The only way I see Thomas being cut is if someone like Grey or Marshall absolutely blow our staff away in training camp. Even then, I think we'd try to move him for a late round pick.

I'm hoping Bush's departure will benefit him.......at times last year he looked like he was trying to imitate him..........that's not his game. He needs to recognize, hit the hole and get what the defense gives him. I don't anticipate him being cut this year, but he wont be around in '14 if doesn't improve in a big way.

While I agree that Thomas has been a disappointment up until this point, I still feel that we're going to retain him. The only way I see Thomas being cut is if someone like Grey or Marshall absolutely blow our staff away in training camp. Even then, I think we'd try to move him for a late round pick.

I doubt he gets cut, but I think the conversation of him getting cut is more realistic than a conversation about if he can lead the ground game.

While I agree that Thomas has been a disappointment up until this point, I still feel that we're going to retain him. The only way I see Thomas being cut is if someone like Grey or Marshall absolutely blow our staff away in training camp. Even then, I think we'd try to move him for a late round pick.

I doubt he gets cut, but I think the conversation of him getting cut is more realistic than a conversation about if he can lead the ground game.

Yes and no. I think like many around here that Lamar Miller will eventually emerge as the feature back in Miami. I also believe that Gillislee will be the 3rd down back to complement him. However, I think there is a good chance that Thomas could split carries with Miller, at least for one more year. I don't think our staff is going to give up on Thomas just yet, and if Miller and Gillislee fail to impress, then Thomas could very well become the primary back. Personally I'm hoping Miller and/or Gillislee play so well that Thomas becomes the third man on the depth chart. What I don't want to see is the entire group play poorly and force Ireland to sign a stopgap free agent runningback.